thanksgiving is close

i have a brief reflection this morning regarding the connection of the following verses from paul’s first letter to the thessalonians:

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” 5: 16-18

“May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 5: 23

the spirit-soul-body points to the wholeness of who we are: our being is one; we are not a jigsaw puzzle with interlocking pieces that fit together.

activities that move us to this spirit-soul-body wholeness are being joyful, praying and giving thanks. but they are more than just activities– they are part of what shape us. we become what we do: rejoice, pray and thankfulness.

the grace is that it is not primarily up to us. in verse 24 of the same letter, paul summarizes: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.” it is the Spirit’s work in us

being two weeks away from thanksgiving, what might the Spirit be stirring in our hearts and minds today with this oneness of being?